The New England Patriots face a pivotal decision on star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, potentially releasing him after just one season despite his key role in their Super Bowl run less than a month ago.
Contract Challenges Ahead
Diggs, 32, must agree to a restructured contract to remain with the team and reduce his current $26.5 million cap hit. He signed a three-year, $63.5 million deal last March. Releasing him outright saves $16.8 million in cap space, while a post-June 1 designation could save up to $20.8 million.
The receiver also holds a $6 million guarantee due on March 13. Team officials indicate they are working toward a resolution in the coming weeks. However, Diggs appears unwilling to rework his deal, prompting discussions about replacement options as quarterback Drake Maye’s primary target.
Standout Performance Last Season
Diggs led the Patriots with 85 receptions, 1,013 receiving yards, and four touchdowns across 17 games, bolstering their postseason push.
Legal Issues Loom Large
These developments coincide with ongoing legal matters for Diggs. Last month, days after the Super Bowl loss, he pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an alleged December incident with his personal chef.
Dedham police claim Diggs struck and choked the woman during a financial dispute early in his Patriots tenure. Mitchell Schuster, part of Diggs’ legal team, stated after the arraignment: “We’re confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated.”
Separately, Diggs faces a defamation lawsuit from a former business partner over a 2024 Florida incident. The plaintiff alleges Diggs falsely accused him of stealing a Ferrari, leading to an attack at a nightclub in 2025.
Personal Life Turbulence
Diggs recently ended his relationship with rapper Cardi B around the Super Bowl period. She confirmed the split during her Little Miss Drama Tour amid prior speculation.
The year brought significant family changes, including the birth of daughter Charliee Harper with Aileen Lopera in April 2025, confirmed via DNA tests that resolved a paternity and child support case. Diggs has welcomed two additional children with other women. Cardi B gave birth to their first child together in November 2025, shortly after going public with the relationship. She filed for divorce from ex-husband Offset in July 2024 and shares three children with him: Kulture, 7; Wave, 4; and one-year-old Blossom.
